Iran expands presence in SCImago 2026 rankings as 199 institutions earn global recognition

Iran has strengthened its position in the latest SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR) 2026, with 199 Iranian universities and research centers included in the global list.

The newly released rankings highlight the growing international visibility of Iran’s higher education and research sector. 

Several institutions entered the rankings for the first time, including Masih Daneshvari Hospital and Research Center, Motamed Cancer Research Institute, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Ardakan University, Khuzestan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Behbahan University of Medical Sciences, National Skills University, Ayatollah Boroujerdi University, and two branches of Islamic Azad University.

Among Iranian institutions, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) achieved the highest overall global position, ranking 701st worldwide. 

It was followed by the University of Tehran at 1,161st and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences at 1,891st. 

Other leading Iranian institutions included Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Golestan University, and the Pasteur Institute of Iran.

The report also showed significant progress among several Iranian universities. 

Islamic Azad University of Urmia, Golestan University, and Jahrom University of Medical Sciences recorded the largest improvements in their global standings compared with last year.

Within the Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Royan Institute emerged as the highest-ranked affiliated institution, placing 5,663rd globally and 18th nationally. 

Meanwhile, Motamed Cancer Research Institute made its debut in the rankings, reflecting the growing international recognition of Iranian research organizations.

Tehran, Shiraz medical universities achieve higher national and global rankings in QS 2026

Medical universities in Tehran and Shiraz post strong national and global results in QS Subject Rankings 2026.

Iranian institutions also demonstrated notable strengths across a range of academic disciplines.

The University of Tehran led the country in numerous fields, including arts and humanities, computer science, economics, energy, engineering, mathematics, earth sciences, and veterinary sciences. 

Tehran University of Medical Sciences ranked first nationally in medicine, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and dentistry, where it achieved an impressive global rank of 37, the best international subject ranking earned by an Iranian institution.

Other standout performances included Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in pharmacy and pharmacology, Golestan University in social sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences in psychology, and the Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute in environmental sciences.

Globally, the Chinese Academy of Sciences topped the SIR 2026 rankings, followed by China’s Ministry of Education and France’s National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). Harvard University ranked fourth worldwide.

Compiled by Spain-based SCImago using data from the Scopus database, the rankings assess institutions based on three key dimensions: research (50%), innovation (30%), and societal impact (20%). 

The 2026 edition evaluates institutional performance over the 2020–2024 period and remains one of the most widely recognized international ranking systems for universities and research organizations.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir